The Caldwell Commentaries Podcast

Daniel Lesson 34: The Great 70 Week‘s Prophecy - Part II INCREDIBLE!

The saddest tragedy to ever occur for Israel was when she missed the prophetically foretold day of her long awaited Messiah's arrival.  It was not the day of His birth in Bethlehem.  It was not the day of His baptism in the Jordan.  It was not even the day He officially began His public ministry by suddenly appearing in Jerusalem, going straight to the Temple, and single-handedly cleansing it (another clear fulfillment of Messianic prophecy).  None of those events were specifically predicted to the very day of their occurrence by God through one of His prophets.  No, the super-tragic day for Israel was when she failed to "do the math" with Daniel's "Great 70 Weeks' Prophecy" and, therefore, missed the proof of His Identity as "Messiah the Prince" which He presented to her on Palm Sunday.  Because of her failure to receive Him as her spiritual King on Palm Sunday, she ended up crucifying Him on Passover Thursday (see our podcast on why Christ died on Passion week Thursday).

Not only does this great prophecy predict Messiah's arrival, but also His death, and Jerusalem's coming destruction following His death (which did, indeed, occur in A.D. 70).  Furthermore, we discuss the one remaining "week" of seven years for God's overall redemptive program for Israel.  That last "week" is the seven-year Tribulation Period (Revelation 6 to 19)!  Daniel's prophecy, given in the Fifth Century B.C., also predicted the horrific covenant agreement Israel will make with the Antichrist, the abomination of desolation he will commit in the Tribulation Temple, and, also, the destruction of the Antichrist (yeah!). 

This is the most important Old Testament prophecy for you to know - not only to strengthen your confidence concerning Christ's identity as we look back in history, but to strengthen your confidence concerning His plan for the future, which He will fulfill as assuredly and as literally as He assuredly and literally fulfilled all the prophecies relative to His First Coming.  Amen.

Daniel Lesson 33: The Great 70 Weeks‘ Prophecy - Part I INCREDIBLE PROPHECY!!!

Did you know Jewish rabbis do not want their people reading "The Great 70 Weeks' Prophecy" of Daniel 9:24-27?  Listen to the words of an ancient rabbinic curse (Talmudic Law p. 987, Section 2, Line 28; also Talmud Sanhedrin 97b, Soncino ed, p. 659), "May the bones of the hands and the bones of the fingers decay and decompose, of him who turns the pages of the book of Daniel, to find out the time of Daniel 9:24-27, and may his memory rot from off the face of the earth forever".  Pretty harsh words of warning NOT to study this passage of Scripture!  Why?  Because "The Great 70 Weeks' Prophecy" is the GREATEST PROPHETIC PROOF that JESUS IS THE PROMISED MESSIAH of Israel . . . and Saviour of mankind.

In this lesson, we set the stage for this amazing prophecy.  Hang in there and listen attentively (and then procede to listen to Lesson #34).  This prophecy is so very crucial to a proper comprehension of eschatology (a study of end times).  A person should always "have a handle" on this prophecy before studying the Book of Revelation! A proper understanding of this all-important prophecy refutes the prevalent teaching of Replacement Theology (that God has replaced Israel with the Church; also called "Supersessionism")!  A proper understanding of this fantastic prophecy gives STRONG evidence for a Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Church!  Furthermore, as stated above, this marvelous prophecy, given to one of the godliest prophets who ever lived (Daniel), provides irrefutable evidence as to the identity of the True Messiah, and He is the One Who presented Himself to Israel on Palm Sunday, which was the very day predicted in this INCREDIBLE PROPHECY (see also our 3 lessons on "The King's Triumphant Entry" on this podcast).

This study is from our "Caldwell Commentary" series.  "Daniel; An Extra-ordinary Servant of God in Extra-Ordinary Times, Extra-ordinary Prophecies" (available at www.scripturetruth.com).

Daniel Lesson 32: A Super-Powerful Prayer - Part II

Prayer is the believer's amazing privilege to get involved in God's program for man and history.  In Daniel's powerful prayer of chapter 9, he teaches by his example great truths about effectual, fervent prayer.  Learn how Daniel's entire prayer - his confessions, his praises, and his petitions - were all in complete harmony with Who God is.  He did not express any opinions or bring up any issues or needs that contradicted God's Person or purposes.

God's messenger angel, Gabriel, told Daniel he was "greatly beloved".  It is well worth the time to study the man Daniel - his person, passion, purposed-heart, and prayer life - for who among us would not love to hear the Lord call us His "greatly beloved"?

Daniel Lesson 31: A Super-Powerful Prayer - Part I

One of the greatest men of prayer in Biblical history was Daniel.  We can learn much about fervent, effectual prayer - as well as being a righteous "man" - from him.  He prayed faithfully three times daily, even when doing so meant a lions' den!  Daniel studied Scripture (e.g. the scrolls of Jeremiah) to align his prayers with the Lord's revealed will.  An interesting fact about the super-powerful prayer of Daniel (9:1-19) is 72% of it was confessional. In contrast, we spend about 72% of our prayers in making requests! 

Daniel knew he and his people had no one to blame but themselves for their shameful state as captives in Babylon.  He repeatedly acknowledged Israel at fault for turning from God and ignoring His many warnings of impending judgment if she didn't repent and turn from her wicked ways.  Her sins were worse because she knew better!  

Learn why Daniel's prayer received immediate results, though God's messenger was delayed by a spiritual battle in the heavenlies!  The amazing answer to Daniel's prayer was the most extensive prophetic prophecy in the Old Testament - one you must study: "The Great Seventy Weeks' Prophecy" (see this podcast for Daniel lessons 33 and 34 on that amazing prophecy).

 

Daniel Lesson 30: Signposts to Antichrist

This lesson on Daniel 8:15-27.  

IMPORTANT LESSON on the last fierce king of the last Gentile Kingdom, the Antichrist.

Daniel Lesson 29: Little Horn and Hanukkah

Learn what Hanukkah is all about - very fascinating!  

Who is the "Little Horn"?  Find out.

This lesson is on Daniel 8:11-14.  

Daniel Lesson 28: The Ram and Goat Vision

This lesson is on Daniel 8:1-10.  With chapter 8, we begin to look at the third section of Daniel which we have entitled, "Daniel Prophetic History of Israel".  The prophetic vision of Daniel 8 begins with the conflict of the two world powers that would sequentially follow Babylon (Medo-Persia and Greece), but the focus then narrows down to the specific persecution to occur in a small place on the map called Judah.  In Daniel 7, we learn about the coming "little horn" of the last days - the Antichrist, who will arise from a revived form of Ancient Rome.  In Daniel 8, we learn much about another "little horn" who came out of the Greek Empire to serve as a prophetic type of evil character and actions of the end-times' Antichrist.

Daniel Lesson 27: Seeking Truth

This lesson is on Daniel 7:15-28 and it deals with the divine interpretation of Daniel's God-given dream about the prophetic history of the Gentile nations (from the time of the ancient Babylonian Empire to the Revived Roman Empire of the Antichrist).  Daniel received the dream, but wanted to know more about it from the Lord!  When a person genuinely seeks to know and understand more about God and His plans and purposes, and when he sincerely wants to know Bible prophecy, the Lord honors that seeking soul.  The title for this lesson, "Seeking Truth" is on that very subject.

We look at Daniel's piercing reaction to the prophetic visions of his dream (7:15), his probing requests for further understanding of the dream (7:16-27), and his pensive response to the interpretive answers (from a heavenly sent messenger) he received (7:28).

Learn about the fourth beast and the ten kings who arise from his head - and the eleventh king (also called "the little horn").

Daniel Lesson 26: The Final Dominion Transition {A Benevolent Theocracy}

The God-given dream of Daniel chapter 7 presents progressive revelation about that great day of transition from the kingdoms of men on earth to the Kingdom of God on earth.  That final Kingdom will differ from all others for it will be ruled by the perfect love, justice, righteousness, and grace of the KING of Kings.  It will be a benevolent Theocracy.

In Lesson 25, we discussed Daniel's introduction to his own dream (7:1-3) and then we looked at the dreadful invasion of the various beast of the dream, which represented the successive Gentile kingdoms from ancient Babylon to the final kingdom of the Antichrist.  In this lesson, we discuss what Daniel's dream prophesied about the future time of Divine intervention on the entire anti-God, anti-Christ, anti-Israel, anti-Christian world system (represented by all the beasts).

There will be justice at last!

Daniel Lesson 25: Lions, Leopards and Bears, Oh My!

Daniel 7:1-8  Another God-sent, very important prophetic dream, which was this time given to Daniel.  It corresponded to King Nebuchadnezzar's God-sent dream of chapter 2, but rather than the Gentile world empires being pictured in the sequence downward of the body parts on a giant statue, they are portrayed as four successive beasts.  The primary difference in the two dreams is that the pagan king (Nebuchadnezzar) was shown the course of the Gentile kingdoms as the world sees them - almost godlike in their power (with their massive armies, glorious monuments, impressive cities, and dazzling riches).  To the world, these mighty powers are titanic "idols" to be placed on pedestals and worshipped (which Nebuchadnezzar did in chapter 3 and as the Antichrist will do during the final Gentile world power).  So, Daniel chapter 2 saw the world powers from the humanistic view.

Daniel chapter 7, however, views these same world powers from God's perspective, and, to Him, they are like a procession of increasingly bloodthirsty beasts of prey, dreadful to behold in their immoral appetites, willful blindness to the truth, carnal, callous brutality toward their fellow man, and cruel animosity toward the Jewish people.  

Daniel Lesson 24: Divine Preservation in the Den

The greatest "test" of Daniel's life was "The Lions' Den Test" - but perhaps the greater miracle of that true account was not his preservation from the lions, but his perseverance in prayer!  Knowing the consequence he would face (lion food) if he persisted in his daily routine of praying to El Elyon, the Most High God, yet he flung open his window, faced East toward Jerusalem, got on his knees, and prayed knowing his jealous enemies could see him.  How's that for a non-compromising, stedfast, courageous faith?

In a very real sense, Israel's destiny (as with America today) was decided in the prayer rooms of Daniel and the other faithful Jews in Babylon.  Human responsibility mysteriously works together with God's Sovereign will.  The great spiritual battle for Daniel took place and was won on his knees before an open window - not in the lions' den!  Daniel was willing to yield his body in the den, but, before an open window, he yielded his will (much like Christ in Gethsemane).

Remember:  God sometimes chooses to keep us safe in the lions' den, but not safe from the lions' den!  We, today, could substitute the words "Corona Virus" for "lions' den".  It brings the Lord more glory when He saves us in our troubles than when He saves us from our troubles!

Daniel Lesson 23: Persecution by Ravenous Liars {Sounds Like Today!}

No matter how often you may have read or studied your way through the true account of Daniel's in the lions' den, there are always new depths, insights, and personal applications to discover.  That will very likely be the case as you engage with us in this in-depth two-part study on the famous Daniel chapter 6.

The setting for the "lions' den" episode is in the new Medo-Persian Empire.  The "lion king" was Darius the Mede (vassal king over the city of Babylon).  Daniel was the pre-eminent president serving under the king, who liked and trusted Daniel - but allowed his ego to trap him by signing a decree that put Daniel in serious danger if he continued to pray to the Most High God, which he did (faithfully, three times a day, as he always did).  Daniel is an extra-ordinary man - we all can learn so much for his prayer life and his commitment to God!  His life definitely revealed the reality of his faith.  It is in this lesson that he really encountered his true enemies, and they weren't the ravenous lions; they were the ravenous liars (the tools of Satan)!

First John - Part 3 "Salvation Assurance; Why You Cannot Lose Your Salvation" NEW STUDY

First John 5:13 is likely the most important verse in the entire epistle, for it is John’s summary statement as to the central purpose for it. He had other reasons (see Part 1 and Part II on our podcast), but his ultimate objective  is that every true believer be confident is his or her salvation.

Assurance of salvation is for the here and now; it is not something only attained when we leave this world and then find out we made it! Faith is not something we are always hoping to grasp "enough of" in order to “make it” in the end.  We can have confident faith right now. Hebrews 11:1 – “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”.  As God’s children, we are to know we have been saved. The word know means absolute assurance. The words “know, knoweth, or known” appear 38 times in this short epistle.

Can a believer really know the joy (abundant life) of the Lord without being perfectly certain he has eternal life – and cannot ever lose it?  Not really, for it is to live in doubt and even fear. As the Puritan Thomas Brooks wrote, “Assurance is the believer’s ark where he sits, Noah-like, quiet and still in the midst of all distractions and destructions, commotions and confusions . . .”  Isaiah 32:17 tells us that where God imputes righteousness in a believer, the effect of that righteousness is peace (“quietness”) “and assurance forever”.

There is no reason for a genuine believer to be on his way to Heaven in a kind of mist – hoping he or something or someone else doesn’t cause “the ark” to sink into the judgment waters of God’s wrath! The ark is Christ! If you entered it, He closed the door – and what He closes is secure and no one can open! He is the Good Shepherd Who promised “He that cometh to Me, I shall in no wise cast out”.

IMPORTANT STUDY! We examine many reasons for why believers doubt their salvation - including the fact that many have been wrongly taught that they can lose it!  Many many passages of Scripture teach the exact opposite and we look at a lot of them! 

First John - Part 2 "Is Your Salvation Real?" NEW STUDY

Seventy percent of the world’s population today is non-Christian, and even among the 30% who label themselves under the broad umbrella of “Christendom,” only 7.9% are evangelical.  The Lord Jesus said, “strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:14).  The tragic truth is that many who think they are “Christian” will one day hear Him say, “I never knew you; depart from Me” (7:23). This is why the Apostle Paul tells us in II Corinthians 13:5 we are to examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith. He says we are to prove or to test our own selves – if we are in Christ. That is likewise exactly what John essentially invites us to do in his first epistle.  He presents us with a kind of series of self-examination “tests” by which we may know that our salvation is genuine; whether it is authentic and not artificial; whether we truly "possess" the indwelling Holy Spirit or merely "profess" to know Christ. 

Presented from the epistle of First John are such self-examination "tests" as the 1. Belief in the Full Deity and Full Humanity of Christ Test, 2. The Life Test, 3. Fellowship Test, 4. The Sensitive to Sin Test, 5. The Obedience Test, 6. Reject Evil World Test, 7. The Maranatha Mindset Test, 8. Ministry of the Holy Spirit Test, 9. Love the Brethren Test, 10. Answered Prayer Test, and 11. Suffer Rejection Test. 

This self-examination series of tests may well be the most important introspection of yourself you ever make! Be absolutely sure you have eternal life through faith in the one way Divinely provided for man to be forgiven and thoroughly cleansed of sin, and that "Way" is Jesus Christ, the God/Man, our Kinsman-Redeemer Saviour Who laid down His life and shed His sin-atoning blood for our sake.

First John - Part I Exciting Introduction NEW STUDY

In this lesson, we discuss many interesting subjects regarding the first epistle of the Apostle John, including why he was called both a "Son of Thunder" and "The Apostle of Love," and how both titles are evident in his writing. We discuss why boldness for truth and compassionate love need to go "hand-in-hand" in every believer's life and testimony for Christ.

We take a jet-tour look at John's life before, during, and after his physical time spent with "the Word of life" - Jesus. We also speculate on the reason John outlived the other Apostles - as well as how each of those other men was so horrifically martyred for their rock-solid faith in the Gospel Truth of Christ's sin-atoning death, His burial, and third-day bodily resurrection!

We spend time explaining the various lies that false teachers had begun infiltrating into the Early Church, and why John was so intense in his warnings against such "antichrists". Included, also, is our discussion about having full-joy fellowship with God, His Son, and one another in spite of difficult circumstances. 

To explain up-front, this is not an exegetical (verse-by-verse) look at the Apostle John's first epistle; rather, it is an overview of the main purposes of the book (full-joy fellowship, holiness, discernment, salvation assurance). This study was done in a setting that was inter-active - meaning with questions and answers from the attendee/participants. Since their readings of Bible passages, answers to my questions, and other comments could not be heard on our audio recording, we had to make some "cuts" and "pastes," which accounts for the rougher places in this audio.  Sorry,  

Daniel Lesson 22: Time‘s Up! {Belshazzar’s Sudden End - the Prophetic Significance}

Daniel chapter 5 contains the downward spiritual journey of the last king (Belshazzar) of the ancient Babylonian Empire - it is also a microcosmic, prophetic picture of the downward spiritual journey of the whole anti-God, Israeli-oppressive world system.  As the proud young king rejected the testimony of his grandfather (Nebuchadnezzar) about the truth of Daniel's Most High God and had not sought wisdom from God's true "wise man," Daniel during all the years of his rule - preferring to trust in his false "gods" and the flattering false counsel of his foolish young peers, so has gone world history.  As Belshazzar, his lords and their women fulfilled the lust of their flesh and deceived themselves into thinking that "peace and safety" prevailed within their Babylonian fortress, the fact was that their enemies were in the very process of infiltrating the city!  

Since Babylon's fall the night of Belshazzar's foolish feast, the world's nations and people groups have likewise foolishly neglected to keep out the great thief, Satan.  They have fallen prey to his many "alluring tricks" that numb their minds from the truth of the perilous condition without God.  Every ruler, nation, and individual without Him in, like Belshazzar, "one hour" from sudden destruction.

Daniel Lesson 21: Handwriting on the Wall

The arrogant, degenerate young King Belshazzar of Babylon had directly challenged God by using the holy vessels stolen from God's House (the Temple in Jerusalem) to praise his worthless chunks of metal, wood, and stone that his pagan culture called "gods".  Putting his ridiculous "gods" against the all-powerful Supreme God was extremely foolish and met with an immediate, very frightening response!  Supernatural fingers appeared from out of nowhere to write a cryptic message on the candlestick illuminated plaster wall near the king's throne!  Belshazzar's drunken red face instantly turned deathly white.  His knees knocked together in total fear.  Not a single idol-worshipper in his kingdom could interpret the message.  So, finally the king met Daniel, whose Babylonian name was Belteshazzar.  

Learn the mysteries of "The Handwriting on the Wall," for they are fascinating and rich in meaning.  Remember this: God not only numbers our days, He weighs our lives!  

Daniel Lesson 20: A Bankrupt Banquet

In Daniel chapter 25, which is the record of events that took place 25 years after King Nebuchadnezzar's public testimony to the greatness of the Most High God (see 4:2, 37), we meet Nebuchadnezzar's grandson, Belshazzar.  He turned out to be the final king of the ancient Babylonian Empire.  He was a degenerate, drunken fool, who learned nothing from the experience of his grandfather.  He brazenly desecrated the Temple vessels of God in drunken toasts made to his false "gods" with all his young and equally foolish and immoral peers.  It marked the end of him and the end of the Babylonian Empire.  Everything ended abruptly in one night, just as Mystery Babylon the Great and the king of the final Gentile world empire will come crashing down in one day (Revelation 14:8; 18:8).

Daniel Lesson 19: A Dream Come True!

Will post a blurb on this lesson on Daniel 4:28-37 at a later time.

This lesson is about King Nebuchadnezzar's great humiliation, as he lived like an ox in the field for seven years, after he claimed for himself glory that belongs only to God.  It is also on the king's great humiliation, when he lived like an ox in the field for 7 years after having claimed for himself the glory that belongs only to God.

Daniel Lesson 18: Choice: Grace or Graze {The Humbling of a King}

Daniel 4:19-27

Telling the most powerful man on earth he is about to be "cut down" is not the most desirable aspect of the "job description" of a prophet, who doubled as a prime minister, but that was exactly what God required of Daniel.  As soon as Daniel heard Nebuchadnezzar's second God-given dream, his God-given gift of dream interpretation "kicked in," for he knew what it meant.  It predicted great shame and disgrace for the king, and Daniel had come to love the king - as chapter 4 shows us. 

Learn about the meaning of the great tree of Nebuchadnezzar's dream and the significance of it being cut down and trimmed, but leaving the stump with the roots in the ground.  Find out the judgment, purpose, and  hope of the dream and listen to Daniel give personal counsel to the king; that counsel was essentially this: "King, you have one of two choices.  You can either humble yourself before the Most High God and accept His grace, or you can experience great humbling for 7 years".  

What did the mighty king decide to do?  Listen and find out.

 

Daniel Lesson 17: Timber! {How the Mighty are Fallen!}

Daniel 4:1-18.  It will surprise many to find that Daniel chapter 4 is one of the great love stories of Scripture!  How in the world can the account of the fall of a mighty king be considered a love story?  The answer is simple, for this is the record of God demonstrating His merciful, unconditional love on an arrogant king until that man was humbled and became a true believer in Him (YHWH)!  This is the climax of King Nebuchadnezzar's spiritual journey.  The first four chapters of  Daniel present (along with other great truths) the workings of Sovereign God in the heart of a lost man, who happened to be the most powerful man on earth at that time.  You will love this love story!

Daniel Lesson 16: Fiery Furnace Tests of Life {No Burning!}

The grande finale!  You DO NOT want to miss this exciting end to the account of Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, who were cast into the fiery furnace for their steadfast obedience to God's command to not bow before any other "god".  Lo and behold, they were not instantly "turned to toast"!  In fact, they were so completely protected and preserved from the flames of great tribulation, there was not even the smell of smoke upon them!  Their greatest blessing, however, was that they enjoyed fellowship with none other than the preincarnate Son of God, Who was in the furnace with them!

Did you know those three Hebrews are picture-types of the 144,000 sealed, believing Jews of the "fiery furnace" Tribulation days?  Where was Daniel in this story?  Why wasn't he among the three who would not bow to an idol (the Antichrist will also set up an idol of himself and force the world to bow to it)?  For sure, if Daniel had been there, he would not have bowed or budged - and then, like his friends, he would not have burned.  Daniel was not present because he pictured believing Jews of the Church, and the Church will not be thrown into the fiery furnace of the Tribulation Period on earth (see our podcast on the Rapture, under the tag "Revelation and End Times").

Daniel Lesson 15: Fiery Furnace Tests of Life {No Budging!I}

This is the continuing account of the three brave, bold, and purposed-to-stand for the True God young men King Nebuchadnezzar tried to force to bow before the golden image (of himself).  Although literally thousands obeyed the king's command and bowed low before the colossal idol, those three alone stood tall.  Even when given a second opportunity to avoid the horrible consequence for disobedience to the king's decree, they refused to budge. 

Nebuchadnezzar went into a wild rage!  How could anyone dare to refuse his command - and do so in the face of being instantly turned into a crispy critter in a fiery furnace!  How could they possibly be so confident in their God that they could say to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.  If it be so, our God Whom we serve is able to deliver us from the fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king" (Daniel 3:16b, 17)?  There would be "No Budging" with these guys! 

 

Daniel Lesson 14: Fiery Furnace Tests of Life {No Bowing}!

This is the first of three messages on three VERY brave and VERY committed believers in Almighty God, and we like to use their godly Hebrew names:  Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael.  How often are our decisions, attitudes, and behavior determined by either external or internal pressures?  We do what we do and we say what we say based either on inner convictions or external pressures.  Most people yield to external pressures in order to "fit in" with their prevalent culture or their peers.  But these Hebrew young men functioned entirely on internal principle!  They did not care what external pressures were used to get them to compromise their convictions, they refused to cave (and the pressure was death in a fiery furnace - talk about extreme pressure).  

Thus, this first lesson on the true account of the three Hebrews in "The Fiery Furnace Test" is entitled, "No Bowing!".  The lesson to follow (Lesson 15) is called, "No Budging!" and the third in this series (Lesson 16) is called, "No Burning!"  They are informative and very convicting lessons, and you will absolutely admire these great examples of Christlikeness in times of crisis.

Daniel Lesson 13: Dream Interpreted {One Future Godly Kingdom} Part III

In concluding his interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's God-given dream prophecy, Daniel spoke of the Stone cut out without human hands that came from the sky and smashed the colossal image on its feet and toes.  The entire statue, representing the whole godless world system, came crashing down, broken into pieces that became like chaff which the wind carried away.  The Stone then became a great mountain that filled the whole earth.

The Stone is the Lord Jesus at His Second Coming.  The great mountain is His Kingdom on earth, known as the Millennial Kingdom.

Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan, was overwhelmed with all he heard from Daniel, and he fell on his face before him!  He even acknowledged that the God of the Hebrews was greater than "the gods" of Babylon, who were unable to help their "wise men" at all when it came to revealing and interpreting the dream.  Daniel was given the position of chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon!  It was the equivalent of being made Prime Minister!  Thus, at a young age, and a recent stranger to and captive of the great golden Babylonian Empire, Daniel was exalted to the highest position of honor that could be conferred on a subject of the king.  He was going to have a tremendous influence on the king.

Daniel Lesson 12: Dream Interpreted {One Yet-Future Gentile Kingdom} - Part II

nKing Nebuchadnezzar learned from Daniel that his God-sent dream of a huge image represented successive kingdoms, beginning with him (Babylon, the head of gold).  The various body parts and metallic substances perfectly symbolized each of the four Gentile kingdoms directly involved with Israel in the period of time known as "The Times of the Gentiles".  From Daniel's time in the Sixth Century B.C., all the kingdoms of the image except Babylon were yet-future; from our time in history, there is only one kingdom represented on the statue (by the feet and toes) that yet awaits fulfillment - that final Gentile kingdom is the subject of this lesson on Daniel 2:41-44.

We discuss some very interesting things in this lesson, such as the connection between the ancient Roman Empire and a Revived form of it in the days of the Antichrist (the most dreadful beast this world will have ever seen).  We discuss the push today for A New World Order (by such global think-tanks as the Club of Rome, the Trilateral Commission, the Committee of 300, the Bilderberg Group, the European Union), which is why there is such a demand for globalism and a growing disdain for nationalism (nations with border).

Daniel Lesson 11: Dream Interpreted {Four Past Gentile Kingdoms} - Part I

This is the beginning of Daniel's interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's God-given prophetic dream.  The colossal image of the dream corporately represents the whole, anti-God world system; the various parts of the image represent four successive now-past Gentile Kingdoms - which were yet-future (except for the head of gold, representing Babylon) at the time of Daniel.  The four Gentile kingdoms are: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.  The feet and toes of the image represent the yet-future kingdom of the Antichrist.

The image represents what is called "The Times of the Gentiles"; the timeline of this amazing dream-prophecy is from the Babylonian Captivity to the Return of Christ at the end of the Tribulation!  This prophecy perfectly aligns with the Book of Revelation, which is yet another proof of the Divine Authorship of the entire Scripture.

If you want God's perspective on history, you really need to have a good understanding of this very important prophetic dream!  History comes alive when it is seen from God's eyes!

Daniel Lesson 10: Dream - A Statue and A Stone!

Daniel reveals the content of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which presents the blueprint for all Biblical eschatology!  Concisely stated, the dream is about "A Statue and A Stone"!  In this lesson, we look at the statue's description, the statue's devolution, the statue's destruction, and the Stone's dominion!

Learn how the giant colossus of Nebuchadnezzar's God-sent dream disavows (refutes) the evolutionist's worldview of science and history!

Daniel Lesson 9: Christlike in a Crisis

In this lesson on the Prophet Daniel and his providential intervention the night King Nebuchadnezzar had a (God-given) disturbing dream, which nobody could interpret (because he did not tell them what it was), we learn incredibly important lessons on being "Christlike in a Crisis".  It truly was a crisis; Nebuchadnezzar threatened to cut into pieces all his "wisemen" and turn their homes into dunghills if they could not interpret his dream.  Daniel and his 3 Hebrew friends were included among those to be "diced" and "dunged".

What do we learn from Daniel?  Well, we learn about having honorable courage in a time of crisis.  We learn to face a crisis with not only courage, but prayer!  Before going boldly, but reverentially, before the raging king, Daniel and his fellow believers communicated their dilemma to Almighty God.  

Daniel kept close to the Lord even in a foreign land, separated from family, and saturated in a pagan culture.  He kept close to the Lord in the face of grave danger, and the result was God gave him wisdom, discernment, peace, godly abilities, and courage in the midst of a crisis.  He will do so for us, too, when we live by faith.  Remember, God's best works are revealed in impossible situations because then He alone gets the glory!  

Daniel Lesson 8: The Dream Test

The questions answered in Daniel chapter 2 (which we discuss from this lesson through lesson 13) are questions mankind in general asks:  What does the future of the world look like?  Will there ever be a day of peace, harmony, and prosperity among the nations?  Will lawlessness, immorality, violence, wars, envies, and injustices always dominate the world scene?  Will there ever be a day when righteousness and a true spirit of brotherhood among men prevail?  Will peace on earth, good will toward men ever be a reality?

In Daniel chapters 2 through 7, the future and destiny of the nations are foretold.  In chapter 2, God revealed - through a dream He sent to King Nebuchadnezzar - that the Gentile nations will rise and fall, seeking always to dominate one another economically and militarily.  This will continue through the time of the Antichrist, who will dominate the entire world for a few years, until his global reign is abruptly ended by the Return of Christ to establish God's Kingdom on earth.

Learn of the dreamy insomnia of Babylon's king, the impossible demand he made of his "wise men" as a result of a disturbing dream, the defense those "wise men" tried to make to the irrational king as to how impossible his request was (tell him his dream and interpret it), and the incensed decree he then issued - that they would all be "cut in pieces" if they did not come through for him!

Daniel Lesson 7: A Healthy Pulse (A Bold Request by a Bold Young Man)

Lesson from Daniel 1:8-21, in which we discuss Daniel's daring proposal to have the king's "meat and wine" replaced (for him and his three friends) with "pulse and water" for ten days.  Daniel was so determined not to disobey God's dietary laws, he risked offending the king himself with his request.  He was confident the Lord would bless their obedience by making them healthier in appearance than all the other young captives who compromised by eating the Babylonian delicacies - and He did!  

Daniel Lesson 6: Dare to be a Daniel in Difficult Days

If there is one thing this world (caught up in pandemic panic and fear of death and/or financial ruin) desperately needs, it is men, women, and young people like Daniel, the servant of the Most High God!  For centuries, Daniel has stood as an extraordinary example of solid faith, uncompromising spirit, steadfast conviction (based on God's Holy Word), boldness for his God, yet with kindness and compassion to all, even his enemies.  He remains an extraordinary example of Christlikeness to us today.  This study reminds us to stand tall for God, to speak out for God, and to absolutely trust God as we, too, "Dare to be a Daniel in Difficult Days"!

It may be hard to believe, but this entire lesson is on half of one verse in Scripture (Daniel 1:8a)!  Tune-in and learn how there could be so much to say about Daniel's "Purposed Heart".  Hopefully, you will also purpose in your heart to do that which is right in God's eyes, regardless of the popular trends or the potential danger doing so may bring!  The world needs a lot more "Daniels"!!

Daniel Lesson 5: The Babylonian Brainwashing Academy

There are consequences to disobeying God's commandments, which is what Israel encountered in the Babylonian Captivity for having turned to the worship of idols, embracing "the queen of heaven cult," and disobeying the Law of the Sabbatic year.  The captivity was used to purge His people, and Babylon certainly had a way of sifting "the tares" from "the wheat" and causing the godly "wheat" to grow stronger in their faith!  

In this lesson, we discuss the clever indoctrination program of King Nebuchadnezzar concerning the teen-aged young men of Judah's royal family taken in the First Exile to Babylon.  His plan was to mold the youth of conquered nations into full-fledged Babylonian citizens, who would be loyal and dedicated servants to him and his kingdom.  Those who exhibited extra leadership and character skills were given special training in what we have called "The Babylonian Brainwashing Academy".  Among those selected for this 3-year school to melt-down and remold the captive, royal youth into palace administrators for the king were Daniel, Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael.  The plan was to get the roughly 60 Hebrew lads to join the Babylonian lifestyle, because it is a huge step toward then succumbing to the Babylonian philosophy and religion.  

As we proceed in our study of the Book of Daniel, we will see how Daniel and his three friends "scored" in the Brainwashing Academy and in God's much more important Character/Compromise Test!

 

Daniel Lesson 4: The Captivity Begins

The Book of Daniel begins in the year 605 B.C. with the First Exile of Jews from Judah to Babylon, ruled by King Nebuchadnezzar.  Included in the first group of captives snatched from their families, homeland, and culture was the young teen, Daniel.   In this lesson, we discuss Daniel's Personal History.  We also again address an issue the critics of the Book of Daniel make regarding a seeming contradiction in the dating of the reign of King Jehoiakim's reign between Jeremiah and Daniel.  The matter is easily resolved!

We also take a look at Nebuchadnezzar, the Conquering King used by God to carry out His chastisement on Judah.  Then, we will also look at the Cultural Contrasts between Jerusalem and Babylon.  Concluding, we look at the Captives' Qualities (the characteristics of the young men, like Daniel, who were taken in the First Exile - and why they were chosen by the Babylonian king).

Daniel Lesson 3: Jet-tour of HIS-story (also Why Fallen Angels Not Redeemable}

We continue (from Lesson 2) to look at the setting for the Book of Daniel, and, to do so, we present a jet tour of history back to the very beginning!  This is a very, very, very informative lesson!

In this lesson, we discuss the free-will test of the angelic host in the FALL OF LUCIFER; we discuss WHY THE FALLEN ANGELS ARE NOT REDEEMALBE, HOW GOD PROTECTED THE HUMAN RACE FRom LIKEWISE BEING NON-REDEEMABLE, God's KINGDOM PROGRAM, and His REDEMPTIVE PROGRAM, and a quick, fascinating look at ISRAEL'S HISTORY from Abraham to the days of Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar!

Daniel Lesson 2: Introduction {An Attacked Book } - Part II

If something is meaningful to the heart of God, you can be guaranteed Satan will attack it.  Thus, he attacks both the truthfulness of Scripture and the Deity of Christ!  Satan has launched an incredible attack specifically against the Book of Daniel because it so strongly upholds the truthfulness of God's Word!  How is that?  It is because no other book of the Bible contains as many already fulfilled prophecies as Daniel!! 

For over 100 years, the Book of Daniel has become the main target of the Bible critics.  They think it is Scripture's "Achilles' heel".  They think that, if they can discredit Daniel, then the entire "colossus" of the Bible will come crashing to the ground, turn to dust, and be blown away by the winds of "progressive" liberalism (like King Nebuchadnezzar's dream-image of chapter two).

In this lesson, we ANSWER THE SKEPTICS (as we continue to do throughout the entire 12 chapters of Daniel)!!

 

 

Daniel Lesson 1: Introduction {An Extraordinary Book} - Part I

This is the first lesson on what is easily one of the most fascinating and intriguing books of Scripture.  Daniel is one very appropriate book for the extraordinary times in which we live.  At a time in history when humanism dominates the decision processes of both government and its citizenry, and when hostility toward Christians and Israel is increasingly overt, the Book of Daniel reminds us the Sovereign of the universe still reigns from His throne!  The omnipotent God has not deviated from His plan for the culmination of history.  Everything He prophetically revealed through the Prophet and Statesman Daniel is taking place right on schedule!  We must remember, it is God Who appoints the rulers of the world to their positions of power.  He also removes them and brings those who are evil to their ruin. 

The Book of Daniel is a perpetual warning to leaders, nations, and the empires of the world, in every age, that every leader and governing body will one day be held accountable before the one and only Living God for the privileged responsibility they were given.  

In this first lesson, we take a look at the history of Israel at  the time of Daniel.  We take a look at the extraordinary man Daniel, of whom not a single negative word in Scripture is recorded!  From a teen to an elderly man, the one criticism of Daniel came from jealous, ungodly men who accused him of his fanatical devotion to his God!  That was actually a tremendous commendation!

 

7 Sayings and 7 Miracles in 6 Hours - Part IV {Victory; A Paid-in-Full Confirmation and Trust; A Princely Consummation}

NEW STUDY - The "grand finale" of the Lord's seven cross-sayings is full of electrifying power and will give you spiritual heartburn for sure!  We not only discuss the Lord's great, "It is finished" declaration and all that was included in His declaration, but we point out the four times when God declared - or yet will declare - the completion of His various works (i.e., His creative work, His redemptive work, His judgment work, and His re-creative work)!  We also talk about how Jesus Himself was not finished at all - in fact, part of the joy set before Him while He endured the pain and shame of the cross was the anticipation of the many "new beginnings" He had before Him!

In His seventh and final cross-saying, which was again a prayer (and one that showed He was again united spiritually with His Father), was filled with both Human submission and faith and Divine authority!  No one took His life from Him - He dismissed His own spirit into His Father's care as a King would dismiss a servant!  Again, His death (like everything in His life) proved He was Who He claimed to be - the very Son of the Living God!  The fantastic series of miracles that accompanied the moment of His death - and the resurrection of dead saints from their graves on Resurrection Sunday (after Christ's bodily resurrection) - all again served the purpose of testifying to the truth that "Surely, He IS the Son of God" (did the Roman centurion get saved? It certainly seems so)!

By the way, you don't want to miss hearing about the significance of the Temple veil renting in two right as Christ royally bowed His head and gave up His own spirit.

7 Sayings and 7 Miracles in 6 Hours - Part III {Forsakeness; A Purposed Cry and Thirst; A Prophetic Closure}

 

Was the 3-hour crucifixion-darkness merely a sun eclipse? No; that would be impossible (find out why).  Was it just over "Skull Hill" or over Jerusalem or perhaps the entire nation of Israel - or did it extend even further?  Are there extra-biblical, historical records to confirm that eerie darkness? Yes - and from some surprising sources!  What was God saying by way of that darkness? Listen and find out! 

To fully pay the wages of sin for mankind, the Lord Jesus had to die both physically and spiritually.  We know from the gospel records and many New Testament passages that He did indeed die physically, but how do we know He also died spiritually - that His soul was separated from His Heavenly Father?  We know from His middle (4th of 7) cross-saying!  He did not cry out (in a loud voice), "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" because He did not know the answer!  (He already answered it, through King David, in Psalm 22:3.)  He cried it out loud so we can rest assured that He died spiritually and the wages of our sin is therefore paid in full.

Discover, also, the reason Jesus cried out (again in an unusually loud voice for someone just minutes from death), "I thirst" (His fifth cross-saying).  There is a lot more in that statement than just the evidence of His Human suffering!  His mind was so incredibly alert - as demonstrated by the reason He spoke of His thirst - that there can be no doubt He is omniscient God!  MUCH TO DISCOVER IN THIS GREAT FOUR-PART STUDY! 

7 Sayings and 7 Miracles in 6 Hours - Part II {Faith; A Penitent Criminal and Love; A Personal Concern}

In this second part of our look at the Lord's Seven Cross-sayings (and the miracles that accompanied His atonement work on "Skull Hill"), we discuss His second and third sayings - plus the first miracle!

There is something significantly special about a dying person’s final words, but this is particularly important when it comes to the final pre-resurrection words of Jesus Christ.  They give us insight (a peek inside) His mind and spirit and as we look at them, it will become quite evident He was absolutely in control over the entire ordeal – from Gethsemane to Golgotha to a Garden Tomb (not the Romans, not the Jews, not the spectators, and certainly not Satan)!  Jesus proved to be both our Saviour and our Sovereign, from beginning to end – from when He was being horrifically nailed to the cross to the moment He majestically bowed His head and regally, as a King, dismissed His spirit into His Father’s hands.

As with everything regarding Christ, His 7 cross-sayings serve as further proof of His Person as the God/Man.  He was dying as a Man (shedding real blood, in horrific agony, thirsting), but His composure, control, character, compassion, and selfless concern – revealed both by His words and the miracles that accompanied His cross-atonement work – testify to the truth spoken by an impartial witness of everything – Truly this is the Son of God.

The salvation of the penitent thief was actually fulfillment of a prophecy found in Isaiah 53!  He also symbolically represents all of us!  Learn new and exciting truths in this lesson.  Also, find out more about the women who were with Christ at the foot of His cross - and why the Lord addressed His mother as "woman," not "mother".  

7 Sayings and 7 Miracles in 6 Hours - Part 1 {Hate: A Provoking Crowd and Forgiveness; A Praying Christ}!

In this message, the stage is set for a wonderful four-part, in depth study entitled, "The Seven Sayings and Seven Miracles in Six Hours".   The title, of course, is about Christ's seven utterances during the six hours of His crucifixion, as well as the seven miracles that accompanied His redemptive work and helped (again) prove His Deity (2 were "Conversion Calvary Miracles" and 5 were "Creative Calvary Miracles").  A primary focus in this discussion is the absolute sovereign control displayed by the Lord Jesus during His entire "ordeal" - from Gethsemane to Golgotha to the Garden Tomb!  

In this first lesson, we discuss some interesting comparative facts about three men saved during the Lord's crucifixion, and how they represent all people.  We also take a look at His first cross-saying, which was a prayer, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do".  Three of His seven last "words"from the cross were prayers, which was so very much "in character" for the One Who spent His entire life in communion with His heavenly Father.   THERE IS A LOT COMPACTED IN THIS STUDY and YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS IT (plus the three follow-up lessons)!  (For example, did you know all donkeys have a cross on their backs (why is that appropriate concerning Christ)?  And did you know that, just like Israel's high priest sprinkled blood on the Mercy Seat seven times on the Day of Atonement, so Christ, our Great High Priest, shed His blood 7 times?  The Bible is limitless in its riches.  Truly.

CHRIST in EXODUS Lesson 19: The Tabernacle: God’s Typological Masterpiece Part III NEW STUDY

Are there "hidden" messages in the Tabernacle?  Yes!  It is full of wonderful secrets and treasures - such that even Indiana Jones would be shocked to discover (and, hopefully) become a believer in Christ)!

See "the Way," and "the Truth," and "the Life" in the three Tabernacle "entrances"!  See Christ in the gold-covered Acacia wood of the Tabernacle Proper!  See the Trinity in the three main parts of the Tabernacle Proper and find out where Their three crowns are located within that Holy Place!  Discover the interesting connection with the "pathway" of the Tabernacle (from the Eastern Gate entrance to the Holy of Holies) and the "path" of salvation.  

Find out the sigificance of the names of Moses' two God-chosen, God-giften construction forement and how they together pictured Christ Jesus.  Learn why, for the first and only time in the long wilderness journey of Israel, we don't hear her murmuring and complaining!  In fact (other than the shocking golden calf incident), she was unusually obedient, generous, and united!  It was a good time for Israel as she worked together in building "God's House"!

CHRIST in EXODUS Lesson 18b - The Tabernacle: God’s Typological Masterpiece Part II NEW STUDY

This is a continuation of our Old Testament look at finding the Lord Jesus Christ in the Book of Exodus!  Do NOT think to yourself that Exodus is not a very interesting book of Scripture - or that it is not relevant to us today. Why? Because you would be 100% wrong!  There is so much "of us" in the Israelites wandering in the wilderness of this world that a look at them is like a look in the "mirror"!  Also, there is so much of our Saviour on every page - and in every aspect of of God's "Masterpiece Type" of His Eternal Son, the Tabernacle, you will truly be both surprised and super-blessed.  This study is what you call "rich meat"! 

CHRIST in EXODUS - Lesson 18a: The Tabernacle: God’s Typological Masterpiece Part I - NEW STUDY!

Why is it important for believers in Christ today to learn about the ancient dwelling place of God's Holy Presence with Israel?  How many different earthly dwelling places (tabernacles; temples) are there if we begin with Eden and end with the Heavenly "Eden"?  How did both Eden and Mount Sinai connect with the Tabernacle?  What clues are found in the Ark of the Covenant to help us know how God could be merciful on law-breakers?  Why is it that Adam was innocent, but not righteous even before the Fall?  What was AMAZINGLY significant about the Israeli encampment around the Tabernacle?  How many times did Moses go up and down Sinai (at 80 years old)?  How long did it take to build the Tabernacle and how does that fact possibly relate to the true birth date of Jesus Christ (for this, you'll need to listen to all three messages)!

There are 50 chapters in Scripture regarding the Tabernacle, its priesthood, its furnishings, its sacrifices, and its significance in regard to Christ and His atonement work on the cross of Calvary.  There are only 2 chapters on the Creation account.  So, do you think the Tabernacle is important to God?  

You will be enriched by this study - EVEN IF you have studied the Tabernacle many times before!  

 

Christ in Exodus Lesson 17: Civil Law Overview

Why did God give the Mosaic Law (beginning with the Ten Commandments) to Israel?  There were some very important reasons given in this study.  What exactly does it mean that Christ brought an end to the Mosaic Law?  What is "the law of Christ"?  Was there law before "The Law"?  Does being free from "The Law" mean a Christian is lawless? 

Did you know Exodus chapters 21 to 23 are full of "case laws" about all manner of subjects, such as the treatment of servants and their rights, about murder and non-lethal violence, about harming pregnant women, about sorcery, sexual perversions, idolatry, false religious practices; restitution, property rights, usury, speaking ill of judges and rulers, giving false testimony, mob rule, partiality, mistreatment of foreigners, widows, and orphans - to name a few.  

Don't judge this study by its title; it is packed with good stuff.

Christ in Exodus Lesson 16: Christ; Prophet like unto Moses

After beholding the magnificent manifestation of Almighty God through both natural and supernatural phenomena on Mount Sinai, while also hearing His thundering, trumpet-blasting voice declare a summation of His moral laws in "The Ten Commandments," the trembling Israelites begged Moses to continue to be their mediator with God so they never had to hear Him speak directly to them again.  God was pleased with their reverential respect for Him, and it was on this very occasion that He gave Moses the famous prophecy of Deuteronomy 18:15-18.  The Prophet/Messiah Who would come from among them (the Jewish people) and through Whom God would speak would be like unto Moses.

So, in this lesson from our study on finding types of Christ in the Book of Exodus, we take an in-depth look at all the many ways in which Moses served as the greatest person-type of Jesus in the Bible (even more so than Joseph, who is likewise a strong prophetic-type of the Lord).  You will be utterly surprised, so get your pen to take notes, because you will want to remember what you hear.

Christ in Exodus Lesson 15: The Ten Commandments

"The Ten Commandments" (also known as "The Decalogue," meaning "The Ten Words") is a legal code written simply and concisely, but completely, for they address every moral aspect for human conduct concerning: (1) true faith, (2) true worship, (3) reverence of God, (4) time for God, (5) reverence for authority, (6) reverence for life, (7) purity, (8) property, (9) the tongue, and (10) contentment.   They are conspicuously absent of local or national peculiarities or prejudices, and are as appropriate today as when they were given some 3,500 years ago.

What is the difference between the Code of Hammurabi and "The Ten Commandments"?  Do you know how the famous "Ten Commandments" were first presented to Israel?  Do you know what Israel's initial response to God's presentation of them to her was?  Find the answers to these and many other questions on this subject in this study - you may very well learn new truths about an old subject!

Christ in Exodus Lesson 14: Israel‘s Pentecost {Happy Birthday, Israel!}

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FASCINATING STUDY!!  Learn how each of Israel's four God-given "Spring Feasts" (Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, and the Feast of Weeks, aka "Pentecost") presented a prophetic type of a very significant event concerning the First Coming of Christ.  Learn why this lesson is entitled, "Israel's Pentecost"!  Find out the amazing parallels between the great event at Mount Sinai when God "came down" to give Israel the Law (which rabbis declare to be the "birth" of the nation of Israel) and the Day of Pentecost, when God the Holy Spirit "came down" to fill believers in Jesus, and the Church was born.  Did you know both events were accompanied by wind, fire, smoke, and "voices" ("languages")?  Did you know it was 50 days after Israel's Exodus from her bondage in Egypt that she received "The Mosaic Covenant" from God, and it was 50 days after Christ's "Exit from death" (His resurrection) that believers (the new-born Church) received "The New Covenant" from God?

This is a lesson to hear several times - and then share with your family and friends!  God's Word is perfect!

Christ in Exodus Lesson 13: Jethro’s Counsel and Jehovah’s Covenant

A very good PRACTICAL LESSON for those who are in leadership positions and need to delegate!  Learn a lot about Moses and his relationship with his father-in-law, who was a wise man.  

Christ in Exodus Lesson 12: Smitten Rock and Support Rod {Water from a Rock!}

This is the account of the amazing miracle that occurred near Rephadim at the Rock of Horeb, when God told Moses to use his rod and strike the Rock.  When he obeyed, water came gushing out to save the people of death by thirst.  This is such a beautiful picture type of the Lord Jesus, the Rock, being stricken by the rod of God's wrath against sin for us.  When He was stricken, the Living Water of His Spirit came gushing out for the spiritual benefit of all who accept His free invitation to drink of Him!

Learn some fascinating similarities and differences between the two occasions when Moses got water out of Rocks.  Learn why he was severely punished for his disobedience in striking the second Rock instead of speaking to it!  Why was that Rock business so very serious to God?! Find out what was discovered by a Bible-believing American couple in the early 1990s in Saudi Arabia (northwest of Jabal Magla)!  

Included in this lesson is the account of Israel's first victory in warfare (Moses' arms upheld by Aaron and Hur), but the victory did not belong to her; the victory was the Lord's!